NPSL Media

Cleveland SC and FC Columbus Finish with 1-1 Draw

Fans in attendance were treated to a fantastic back and forth match as the second edition of the “CheeseBarn Derby” was played at Columbus’ Roberts Field at The Wellington School on Friday Night. Friday’s match was the first time this season that both FC Columbus and Cleveland SC would take on NPSL competition in 2019.

Both teams had chances early and often in this match, but the teams went into halftime without a go-ahead goal. Finally, in the 52nd minute, Cleveland SC’s Vinny Bell connected with Antonio Manfut to put Cleveland SC in the lead 1-0. The Cleveland lead would hold until FC Columbus were awarded a penalty inside the 18-yard box in stoppage time. Up stepped Coro Alvarez to convert the penalty kick for Columbus and to level the score. Alvarez’s goal would hold and the game would end with a final score of 1-1.

The NPSL regular season is up next for both FC Columbus and Cleveland SC. Columbus opens the regular season at home against AFC Ann Arbor on Friday, May 17th. Cleveland will begin on the road in New York against Syracuse FC on Sunday, May 19th.